Smartphones are essential tools, but phone overheating when charging is a problem that can lead to battery degradation, performance issues, or even safety risks. If your device gets unusually hot during charging, it is important to diagnose the issue and take corrective action immediately.
This article offers a formal, structured guide to understanding why phones overheat while charging and how to fix or prevent it.
🔹 Step 1: Understand Normal vs. Abnormal Heat
All smartphones generate heat while charging, especially with fast charging. However, excessive heat (i.e., the phone feels too hot to hold or starts showing warning messages) is a sign of a problem.
✅ Typical Heat Range:
- Slight warmth is normal
- Temperature exceeding 40°C (104°F) during charging is concerning
🔹 Step 2: Use the Original Charger and Cable
One of the most common causes of overheating is using an incompatible or low-quality charger.
✅ What to Do:
- Use the original charger and cable that came with the phone
- Avoid cheap, uncertified, or third-party accessories
- If you must use third-party products, ensure they are certified (e.g., USB-IF, MFi)
⚠️ Mismatched power output can overload the battery and generate excessive heat.
🔹 Step 3: Remove Phone Case During Charging
Some phone cases, especially thick or poorly ventilated ones, trap heat.
✅ Solution:
- Remove the case while charging
- Charge the phone on a hard, flat surface (avoid beds, couches, or blankets)
🔹 Step 4: Avoid Charging While Using the Phone
Using your phone while charging, especially for gaming, video streaming, or video calls, causes the processor and battery to work harder.
✅ Recommendation:
- Let your phone rest while charging
- Close all background apps
- Activate Airplane Mode for faster and cooler charging if you don’t need connectivity
Step 5: Disable Fast Charging (Optional)
Fast charging produces more heat compared to standard charging.
✅ How to Disable (if supported):
Android:
- Settings > Battery > Charging (or Device Care > Battery)
- Toggle off Fast Charging / Super Fast Charging
iPhone:
Apple’s fast charging cannot be disabled directly but can be reduced by using a lower-wattage charger (e.g., 5W or 10W instead of 20W).
📌 Useful for overnight or idle-time charging.
🔹 Step 6: Update System Software
Outdated firmware may cause charging bugs or battery mismanagement.
✅ Update Instructions:
- Android: Settings > System > Software Update
- iPhone: Settings > General > Software Update
Install any available updates and restart your phone.
🔹 Step 7: Scan for Malware or Rogue Apps
Malicious or poorly optimized apps can cause CPU overuse, leading to overheating even during idle charging.
✅ What to Do:
- Install a trusted security app (e.g., Bitdefender, Malwarebytes)
- Scan for malware or battery-draining apps
- Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Usage to check for apps using power in the background
- Uninstall or force stop suspicious apps
🔹 Step 8: Avoid Extreme Ambient Temperatures
Charging in hot environments can prevent heat dissipation, raising the internal temperature.
✅ Charging Tips:
- Charge indoors, in a cool and ventilated space
- Never charge in direct sunlight, cars, or near heat sources
- Do not cover the phone with objects during charging
🔹 Step 9: Calibrate or Replace the Battery (if old)
Older batteries degrade over time and become less efficient, producing more heat.
✅ Signs of a Failing Battery:
- Rapid battery drain
- Swollen battery
- Heating even during minimal use
If your phone is 2+ years old, consider battery replacement at an authorized service center.
Read also:-Android Phone Camera Not Working? 7 Quick Fixes That Actually Work
🔹 Step 10: Perform a Factory Reset (Last Resort)
If overheating persists despite trying all other steps, software corruption may be to blame.
⚠️ Backup Important Data First
✅ Factory Reset Steps:
Android:
- Settings > System > Reset > Factory Data Reset
iPhone:
- Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings
🔹 Step 11: Visit a Service Center
If:
- Overheating occurs with the original charger
- The phone gets hot within minutes
- There are signs of swelling, smoke, or odor
- Nothing from the above steps helps
…then you may have a hardware issue such as:
- Faulty charging IC
- Damaged battery
- Malfunctioning thermal sensor
Get your phone inspected by an authorized technician.
✅ Conclusion
If your phone is overheating when charging, the issue might stem from incorrect accessories, app conflicts, software bugs, or hardware faults. Follow this step-by-step guide to:
- Identify the root cause
- Take immediate preventive steps
- Know when to seek professional help
Taking the issue seriously helps prevent long-term battery damage and ensures your phone remains safe and efficient.
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